Site preparation for the 60,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility planned for the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) campus begins this week, with construction expected to start thereafter. The project is a partnership between USC Aiken, the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) and North Wind Construction Services, LLC (NWCS).

The AMC will combine the unique capabilities of the DOE National Laboratories, industrial enterprises and educational institutions to drive practical, cost-effective solutions to many of the nation's most challenging environmental cleanup and energy security challenges while facilitating long-term sustainability of the U.S. manufacturing sector.

"The Department has a critical need for safer, more cost-effective technology, facilities and expertise to complete the safe cleanup of Cold War legacy waste," said Tony Polk, director, Savannah River Laboratory Office. "The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative will provide a manufacturing development venue for DOE mission work and facilitate academic and industry partnerships in state-of-the-art laboratory space."

An innovation hub for manufacturing, the AMC will foster modern industrial practices, advancing new technologies and providing grounds for training the future manufacturing workforce with a focus on chemical and material manufacturing.

"We're excited to now make the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative a reality for our campus and the surrounding community," said Dr. Daren Timmons, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at USC Aiken. "Our students will soon benefit from outstanding research and development opportunities, as well as hands-on learning experiences that will provide them with a clear advantage when entering the workforce."

Plans include new laboratory, office and conference space suitable for advanced manufacturing research and development, and innovation space adaptable to collaborative ventures with academia and industry for commercializing new technologies.

The facility will be located on USC Aiken's campus, adjacent to the proposed National Guard Cybersecurity Readiness Center and collaboration space.

The facility is expected to be completed in 2024 and will be managed and operated by the Savannah River National Laboratory.